Buddha Talk - The Tongue

It had been more than two months since we came under lockdown and we're getting used to it, but there were still moments of boredom and restlessness, especially after finishing our temple duties.  So to prevent us from wasting our time in idle chatter, Head Nun introduced what she called "Buddha Talk" in the evenings after dinner.

On one such evening, Head Nun asked us, "The Lord Buddha once asked His disciples what is the sharpest thing in the world.  Do you all know the answer?"

 We came up with the sword, the knife and so on but they were not the correct answer.

"The tongue, my friends, is the sharpest thing in the world," said Head Nun with a smile.  "It is capable of committing many hideous sins.  A few examples - it can speak falsehood, it can carry tales, it can slander, it can curse.  Worst of all, it talks too much.  There is an old Chinese proverb which goes like this: "The tongue can paint what the eye cannot see."  So can you imagine how dangerous it can be.  Also, if your tongue slips, you fracture someone's faith or joy and that fracture can never be set right.  So use your tongue with great care."

" But Head Nun, the tongue can also speak the truth and many other good things," I said.

"True, Vege Cat but the problem is it talks excessively.   If we can resolve to talk less, we can guard it from committing sin.  Do you all know that excessive talk can destroy your memory, weaken your nerves and make you feel tired?"

At this point a cheeky young nun spoke up.  "It's reciting all those long prayers every day that makes us feel tired, Head Nun," she said.  Someone started to giggle and soon we were a noisy lot as laughter spread.

"Alright, alright, enough!" snapped Head Nun, banging the kitchen table with a ladle.  "I hope you all will take what you heard this evening seriously.   Tomorrow we shall all practise silence after morning prayers until dinner time.  It's time you learn to be silent not only in words but also in thought.  Now off you go to bed!"

 We dispersed quietly.  A directive from Head Nun is a directive.  You just have to obey.  Oh dear, tomorrow is going to be a long day ...